“Messenger. Clan revolted against to clan,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1897, is a notable oil-on-canvas artwork measuring 124.7 x 184.3 cm. The piece belongs to the Realism art movement and is classified as a genre painting. It is currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery located in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork presents a serene yet tense scene illuminated under a moonlit sky. In the foreground, two figures are depicted; one appears to be preparing to row a small boat, while the other stands on the bank with a staff. Both are dressed in traditional garments, suggesting a historical or rustic setting. In the background, a fortified settlement is visible atop a steep incline, with glowing lights that likely indicate the presence of a community or some level of preparedness. The scene evokes a sense of clandestine activity or impending conflict, consistent with the painting’s title. The overall mood is one of quiet anticipation, masterfully captured through Roerich’s use of dark tones and strategic lighting.
